In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Schaffer has a research focus on primary liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma) and conducts ongoing research on the role of circulating tumor cells and biomarkers in determining candidacy for surgery, transplant and other treatment interventions, as well as predicting response to those treatments. He also conducts research on pancreatic cancer and on colorectal cancers metastatic to the liver.

Dr. Schaffer believes in taking the time necessary to clearly communicate with patients in a way that makes complex situations and decisions more manageable. He also believes that being a good surgeon requires both technical skills and compassionate care.

An avid educator, he enjoys the opportunity to work with surgical residents, teaching them about the transplant service and educating medical residents on ethics. He is the co-chairman of the Scripps Green Hospital Ethics Committee and served as a member of the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) Ethics Committee and the UNOS Living Donor Committee.

When he is not caring for patients he enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter, surfing and snowboarding. He has also recently taken up learning the guitar, a hobby that he finds both challenging and relaxing.

Board Certifications

Medical Education

Residencies

Baylor College of Medicine, General Surgery, 2001

Fellowships

University of Chicago Hospitals & Clinics, Transplantation, 2003

Research Fellowships

Texas Children's Hospital, Clinical Research, 1998

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